Board should protect citizens

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 10:27 p.m.

To The Editor: Having served in an appointed position of an advisory board and as an elected official, I find it alarming that the county Planning Board needs more direction from the County Commission on the future of water and wastewater treatment.

The commission passed a comprehensive plan that straightforwardly restricts city services being provided into rural areas. What further direction is needed by the Planning Board?

Only member Renee Kumor understands that the board’s purpose is to protect the public, the citizens. The board is advisory and after due diligence makes a recommendation to the commission for final action.

Board members Mike Cooper and Ted Pearce are building contractors. Cooper: “These requirements are going to be far too strict and cost too much. It is going to bring development to a halt.” Does anyone sense a “conflict of interest” being perpetrated upon the citizens of Henderson County?

If a developer does not conduct their own due diligence on the availability of water and wastewater treatment before purchasing property, whose fault is that? Is the county responsible to make the developer whole? Two mistakes have already been made. The citizens do not need another.

<p>To The Editor: Having served in an appointed position of an advisory board and as an elected official, I find it alarming that the county Planning Board needs more direction from the County Commission on the future of water and wastewater treatment.</p><p>The commission passed a comprehensive plan that straightforwardly restricts city services being provided into rural areas. What further direction is needed by the Planning Board?</p><p>Only member Renee Kumor understands that the board’s purpose is to protect the public, the citizens. The board is advisory and after due diligence makes a recommendation to the commission for final action.</p><p>Board members Mike Cooper and Ted Pearce are building contractors. Cooper: These requirements are going to be far too strict and cost too much. It is going to bring development to a halt. Does anyone sense a conflict of interest being perpetrated upon the citizens of Henderson County?</p><p>If a developer does not conduct their own due diligence on the availability of water and wastewater treatment before purchasing property, whose fault is that? Is the county responsible to make the developer whole? Two mistakes have already been made. The citizens do not need another.</p><p>John Meyer</p><p>Hendersonville</p>